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Got food cravings? What's living in your gut may be responsible

A new study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that mice with different gut microbiomes choose different diets, influenced by substances produced by microbes. The researchers suggest that certain molecules, such as tryptophan, may be hijacking the body's natural signals to promote specific food cravings.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 20, 2022

Penn-Developed CAR T Cells Suppress GI Solid Tumor Cells, Without Toxicity to Healthy Tissue, in Preclinical Research

Researchers at Penn Medicine have discovered a new approach to treat solid cancers using CDH17CAR T cells, which selectively target and eliminate gastrointestinal (GI) solid tumors like gastric, pancreatic, and colorectal cancers in preclinical models. Unlike other immunotherapies, CDH17CAR T cells do not show toxicity to healthy tissues.

Colonic gene mapping gives insights into intestinal diseases

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet used spatial transcriptomics to create a map of gene expression in the mouse colon, gaining new insights into inflammatory bowel disease. The study's findings suggest that the colon is divided into more segments than previously thought and could lead to the development of new treatments.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 11, 2022

Researchers discover repair properties of a protein critical for wound-healing in gut diseases

A team led by Case Western Reserve University discovered the novel repair properties of Gasdermin B protein, promoting restoration of epithelial layers and effective wound-healing. The findings have significant implications for designing therapeutics to enhance wound repair in various organs.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalCellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateFeb 7, 2022

For IBS, specific diets are less important than expected

A new study found that a specific type of carbohydrate called ‘fodmaps’ can aggravate intestinal problems, but its impact is not as significant as previously believed. IBS symptoms were found to be influenced more by psychological factors and individual differences in metabolism and intestinal flora.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 16, 2021